What monoclonal antibodies are and what they are for

Monoclonal antibodies are proteins used by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign bodies, which can be bacteria, viruses or even tumor cells. These proteins are specific, as they recognize a particular target, the so-called antigen, which will be present in cells foreign to the body. Understand how the immune system works.

Monoclonal antibodies, such as denosumab, obinutuzumab or ustequinumab, for example, are produced in the laboratory, often identical to those found in the human body, which will help the body to fight some diseases. Thus, depending on the monoclonal antibody used, these remedies can be used to treat some serious diseases such as osteoporosis, leukemia, plaque psoriasis or some types of cancer, such as breast or bone cancer, for example.

Illustration representing how antibodies act

Examples of monoclonal antibodies

Some examples of monoclonal antibodies include:

1. Trastuzumab

This monoclonal antibody, marketed as Herceptin, was developed by genetic engineering, and specifically attacks a protein that is present in people with certain breast and stomach cancers. Thus, this remedy is indicated for the treatment of breast cancer in an early stage or with metastasis and gastric cancer in an advanced stage.

2. Denosumab

Marketed as Prolia or Xgeva, it has in its composition the human monoclonal IgG2 antibody, which interferes with the action of a specific protein that makes bones stronger, reducing the chances of breaking. Thus, Denosumab is indicated for the treatment of bone mass loss, osteoporosis, bone cancer or cancer in advanced stage with bone metastases (which has spread to the bones).

3. Obinutuzumab

Also known commercially as Gazyva, it has in its composition antibodies that recognize and specifically bind to the CD20 protein, found on the surface of white blood cells or B lymphocytes. Thus, obinutuzumab is indicated for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, as it is capable of stop the abnormal growth of white blood cells that causes this disease.

4. Ustequinumab

This remedy may also be known commercially as Stelara and is composed of the human IgG1 monoclonal antibody, which inhibits specific proteins that are responsible for causing psoriasis. Thus, this remedy is indicated for the treatment of plaque psoriasis.

5. Pertuzumab

Also known as Perjeta, it is composed of monoclonal antibodies that bind to the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, present in some cancer cells, slowing or stopping their growth. Thus, Perjeta is indicated for the treatment of breast cancer.

How to Take Monoclonal Antibodies

Medicines with Monoclonal Antibodies should only be taken under medical advice, as the type of antibody to be used and the recommended doses depend on the problem to be treated and its severity.

In most cases, these remedies are used in the treatment of cancer, as they are antineoplastic remedies that must be used according to the specific instructions given by the doctor and that need to be administered in hospitals or clinics.